When you’ve worked with Samsung devices as long as I have, you start to appreciate the little things, the kind of settings most users overlook, yet make all the difference in day-to-day usability. One of those underrated details? The clock format. Whether you’re a 12-hour traditionalist or a 24-hour precisionist, knowing how to change the time display on your Samsung Galaxy S25 isn’t just about preference, it’s about optimizing your user experience down to the second.
Now, let me be clear: this isn’t your average how-to guide cobbled together from screenshots and guesswork. What I’m sharing here comes from real-world experience, deep within the One UI ecosystem. I’ve seen how Samsung’s settings evolve with each generation, and the S25 is no exception, it’s streamlined, smart, but also packed with nuances you won’t catch unless you’ve been under the hood.
So if you’re ready to take control of your Galaxy S25’s clock format, and truly understand what’s happening behind the scenes, you’re in the right hands. Let’s get to it.
Getting to Know the Clock Format Options Feature on Galaxy S25
Let’s start with the basics, but trust me, even the basics deserve a second look when you’re dealing with a device as refined as the Galaxy S25.
Samsung offers two primary time formats across its system interface: the 12-hour format (with AM/PM) and the 24-hour format, often referred to as “military time.”
The choice isn’t just about how you like to read the clock, it’s also about clarity, especially if you’re syncing across global time zones, coordinating with teams, or managing tight schedules where a single digit can cause real confusion.
The 12-hour format is familiar to most users in North America, while the 24-hour format is standard in Europe, Asia, and professional sectors like aviation and IT. On the Galaxy S25, switching between the two isn’t just cosmetic, it can impact how your clock appears on the lock screen, status bar, widgets, and even certain apps that align with system preferences.
Now here’s what many users miss: some third-party apps and widgets don’t automatically follow the system setting.
That’s where hands-on know-how makes a difference. I’ll walk you through how to set it up properly, and troubleshoot the quirks most guides never mention.
How to Change the Clock Format via System Settings
If you’re ready to take full control of how your Galaxy S25 displays time, follow these steps closely. Samsung’s One UI 6.x (or newer, depending on firmware updates) makes this fairly straightforward, but you still need to know where to look.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open the Settings app from your home screen or app drawer.
- Scroll down and tap General Management.
- Tap Date and Time.
- Look for the toggle labeled Use 24-hour format.
- Toggle it on for 24-hour time, or off to return to the 12-hour format.
That’s it, on the surface, anyway. The change will reflect immediately on your status bar, lock screen, and most Samsung-native apps.
FAQs: Your Samsung Galaxy S25 Clock Format Troubles
When you’ve been working with Samsung devices for as long as I have, you start to realize that the simplest questions often hold the most value. Below, I’ve answered some of the most common queries about the Galaxy S25’s clock format settings, answers that only come from real, hands-on experience. Let’s clear up any lingering doubts.
1. Will changing the clock format affect my alarms or reminders?
No, it won’t. Whether you’re using the 12-hour format or the 24-hour format, your alarms and reminders will continue to work the same way. The system clocks and alarm settings operate independently of your display preferences. So, don’t worry, your morning wake-up call is safe and sound, no matter how you display the time.
2. Why is my third-party clock widget still showing the wrong format?
Ah, the classic third-party app headache. While Samsung’s built-in apps will follow your system settings, third-party widgets sometimes fail to sync automatically with your chosen format. Here’s what you can do:
- Check the widget settings, some have their own time format options.
- Try removing the widget from your home screen, restart your phone, and then add it back.
- If that doesn’t work, consider using a different widget that better supports system preferences.
Remember, some older widgets just don’t play well with newer Android versions. It’s a trade-off between customization and compatibility.
3. Can I set a different time format for different profiles on my Galaxy S25?
Nope, Samsung doesn’t offer separate time format settings for different profiles at this time. The clock format you choose is system-wide, meaning it will apply universally across the phone, regardless of whether you’re using guest mode, multiple accounts, or a custom profile. If you need a different format, you’ll have to switch it manually each time. It’s a little inconvenient, but it’s just how One UI handles it.
4. My clock format still isn’t changing after I followed all the steps, what now?
If your time format is still stuck, even after following the steps to switch it, there’s likely something else interfering with the system settings. Here’s what I recommend:
- Clear the cache of apps that display time (like Clock, Calendar, or Weather).
- Restart your Galaxy S25, sometimes, the system just needs a reboot to apply new settings properly.
- If the issue persists, check your region settings. Sometimes, a region change can reset time-related preferences.
If none of that works, a software update or even a factory reset could be the final solution. But remember, this is only for stubborn cases that refuse to budge.
5. Can I change the time format for the lock screen only?
As much as I’d love to give you a specific option just for the lock screen, Samsung doesn’t provide a setting to change the time format for just that. The clock format is tied to the system-wide settings, so if you choose the 12-hour or 24-hour format, it will reflect on both your lock screen and status bar. If that’s a deal-breaker, you might want to explore third-party lock screen apps or widgets that offer more customization.
6. What if my clock format keeps resetting after I change it?
That’s a sign that something deeper is going on. It could be due to:
- Region conflicts (for example, if your phone’s set to a region that defaults to the 24-hour format).
- Software glitches caused by outdated apps or system bugs.
- Automatic settings updates that might be overriding your preferences.
If the format continues resetting, check for system updates, reset your region settings, and clear your app caches. If all else fails, a full factory reset will usually clean things up for good, but only as a last resort.
7. Is there a way to make the clock format change automatic based on my location?
Not exactly. As of now, Samsung doesn’t have an automatic switch for time formats based on location (for example, switching from 12-hour to 24-hour when traveling internationally). It’s a feature I’ve personally wished for, but the clock format is a static setting that needs to be changed manually. However, location-based time zone updates do happen automatically, so at least your time zone will adjust without any effort.
These questions might seem small, but they’re the kind of details that can make your day-to-day Galaxy experience a lot smoother. As a gadget technician, I’ve seen it all, from minor annoyances to full-on device malfunctions, and believe me, most of these clock format issues are easily solvable with a bit of patience and a systematic approach. Connect USB Flash Drive to Samsung Galaxy S25
If you ever find yourself running into more persistent problems, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your Galaxy S25 is an exceptional device, it just takes a little expert handling to get it working exactly the way you want.